To Ban Or Not To Ban

Is it acceptable to silence a voice that begs to be heard? Is it acceptable to shelter our youth from exploring their natural creativity? Is it acceptable to ban books? When the question "Is it acceptable to ban literature?" was presented to multiple writers the response was unanimous. Throughout the short two minute video, Banned Books Week: 13 Authors Speak Out, various authors spoke on how the practice of banning books only was only going to hurt the identity of the human race in the long run. Writer Walter Mosley stated that,"banning books is like banning thoughts, banning ideas, banning people." I thoroughly agree with Walter. I too believe that by banning books you are disabling one's given right to think creatively and express oneself with the help of a talented writer. By banning books, it is taking away other's ability to expand knowledge and opinions on a variety of subjects. The practice of banning books not only hurts the readers but also the writer. The writer has just poured their heart, soul and self into this piece for the reader to enjoy and feel the same emotions that they once felt. I believe that literature is a form of expression. A form of expression that does not have rules, boundaries or delegators who decide what is valid and what is not. You may not agree with the opinion expressed in each piece of literature but you should respect it enough to allow others to appreciate it and see whether or not they feel the same way as you.  One day, I hope that the practice of banning books will be a thing of the past so that everyone will be able to enjoy literature in the way that it was intended to be adored.